July has been a standout month for Yorkshire CCC’s Girls U18s squad, earning them well-deserved recognition as NIC’s Team of the Month. From dominant wins to hard-fought battles, this talented team has shown composure, resilience, and a deep pool of emerging talent, all of which set the stage for an exciting August ahead.
At NIC FM Services Group, we’re proud to continue our support of the YCCC Pathway Programme. Our commitment to helping bring sport to all ages and backgrounds remains central to our values, and we’re especially proud to stand behind the development of these young athletes as they push boundaries and aim high.
Road to the Knockout Final
The Girls U18s’ journey to the ECB 50 Over Knockout Final has been nothing short of impressive.
They kicked things off with a dominant 203-run win over Northumberland, driven by an incredible 159 off 103 balls from Amelia Oliver. That victory was followed by a sharp 9-wicket win against Durham, where Jeanie Lee’s 6-18 from just 6 overs saw Durham bowled out for 68.
The quarter-final against Cheshire tested the team’s nerve. After posting a strong 238/7, with half-centuries from Izzy Fidler (53) and *Maiya Charlesworth (58)**, the weather cut short what looked like another solid bowling display — with Cheshire already 10/1. Progression came via coin toss, but the team was clearly on track for a win.
In the semi-final, the squad delivered an all-round performance to defeat Warwickshire by 9 wickets. Jeanie Lee picked up another six-wicket haul, before Amelia Oliver (71)* and Ines Blackwell (59)* combined for an unbeaten 148-run partnership to book their spot in the final.
They now look ahead to the Knockout Final against Surrey on Monday 18th August at Kibworth CC.
Dominating the Group Stage
Success hasn’t stopped there. The Girls U18s have also qualified for the ECB 50 Over Cup Quarter Final, thanks to five wins from six group stage games.
Batting highlights have been frequent, with centuries from *Ines Blackwell (119), *Amelia Oliver (176), and Maiya Charlesworth (102), alongside a near-century from Olivia Breese (97).
On the bowling front, Alice Acklam (4-11), Nat Brown (3-8 & 4-21), and Libby Fellows (4-29 & 3-7) have all played key roles — with Libby, at just 14, stepping up in style.
Pathway Promise: Young Talent Making an Impact
The strength of the YCCC pathway was on full display this month, as several U13 and U14 players made strong contributions at U18 level. Libby Fellows, Sophia Horsfall-Samb, India Leach, Lois George, and Poppy Smith have all made their mark — underlining the programme’s depth and the value of long-term development.
Eyes on August
Looking ahead, the team faces two T20 matches against Cheshire, followed by their biggest challenges yet: the ECB 50 Over Knockout Final and the Cup Quarter Final.
With the entire squad contributing and confidence growing, August has the potential to be even more memorable.
NIC’s Commitment to Youth Sport
At NIC FM Services Group, we know that investing in sport is about more than results. It’s about providing opportunity, building confidence, and supporting the next generation, on and off the pitch.
We’re proud to back the YCCC Pathway Programme and to play a small part in helping young athletes like the Girls U18s shine.
Congratulations to the team on a fantastic July, and good luck for what promises to be a thrilling August.
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